Surf's Up! Where to Catch the Best Waves in Hong Kong

When Justin Potter's not busy running his own surf-lifestyle brand Float Captain, he's out hitting the waves around Hong Kong whenever he gets the chance. With 15 years of experience under his belt (or rather, board) he reckons he knows the top spots to catch the best waves here in the 852.

Tai Long Wan Beach

Nestled inside a beautiful country park in Sai Kong, Tai Long Wan consists of three bays with beaches, and is one of the most fabled of surfing spots in Hong Kong. Each of these bays produce their own surf setups, with the most popular being the largest bay as it produces some of the strongest waves during a strong Northeast(NE) monsoon or typhoon swell. It’s a neat setup with beautiful scenery, and best to surf at a mid-tide at 4 to 6ft on a NE swell. The beach is beautiful and long, hugged by big mountains on all sides to provide a stunning backdrop. Popular with hikers, campers, and surfers, this is a special place where many could escape the rigours of city life and let their troubles dissipate.
How to get there:
Take the MTR to Diamond Hill station and go out of Exit C2, and take the 92 bus to the Sai Kung Terminus. From there, you can take the 29R mini bus to the Sai Wan Pavillion, or the 94 bus to Pak Tam Au. Both will take around 90 minutes to get to the main beach.
[caption id="attachment_128300" align="aligncenter" width="660"]Image via Wikimedia Commons / Minghong[/caption]

Big Wave Bay Beach & Shek O Beach

With more or less the same swell direction as Tai Long Wan, the beaches at Big Wave Bay and Shek O is a convenient choice for many surfers. With a neat setup surrounded by luscious mountains and cliffs, both beaches are popular weekend destinations for BBQ, rock climbing, hiking, and of course, surfing. Obviously, this location is best without the summer crowds but that doesn't stop any of the die-hard surfing crews! Unfortunately, these locations took in a lot of damage during the Typhoon Mankhut, but local communities have been working hard at restoring them.
How to get there:
Arrive at Shau Kei Wan MTR Station, head out exit A3, and make your way to the Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus where you can take the number 9 bus to Shek O. Or, you can head out of Exit A2 and take a red minibus that will go straight to both Shek O and Big Wave Bay. For those who wish to get in an extra bit of exercise, walking to and from both beaches will take 3oughly 30 to 40 minutes.
[caption id="attachment_128301" align="aligncenter" width="660"]Image via Wikimedia Commons / Minghong[/caption]

Pui O

Pui O is another great spot for surfers, with a more sheltered setup and flat sandy bottoms that make soft and lined-up waves. The geographical position of the bay also gives plenty of protection from winds, especially during a strong typhoon.
How to get there:
Take the ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo (35 to 55 minutes depending on the fast or slow ferry). Once at Mui Wo, you can take bus #1 to Pui O Beach.
[caption id="attachment_128302" align="aligncenter" width="660"] Image via Wikimedia Commons / WiNG[/caption]

Cheung Sha Beach

Cheung Sha, in contrast, is a more exposed break with peaks scattered all the way down this very long stretch of beach. With generally heavier surf and more wind, this spot usually breaks a few feet bigger than Pui O. This beach is very rarely crowded, making it perfect for those looking for some alone time with the surf board. And if you're feeling adventurous, be sure to stop by Long Coast Seasports to get your fix for a wide range of other water sports.
How to get there:
Take the ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo (35 to 55 minutes depending on the fast or slow ferry). Once at Mui Wo then take bus #1 or #2 to Cheung Sha Beach.
[su_note note_color="#eeeeee" text_color="#000000" radius="4"] Expert Tips: There are a couple of key places to get your surf and beach gear. Aside from Float Captain, which has just launched a new line of gear, there are local favourites such as x-game, and East Swell, which both carry all the hardware and equipment you will ever need out on the open waters. [/su_note]

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